Anyone disconnect the power assist or speed sensitive steering before? Just wondering what effects there might be. Sometimes mine gives a couple inches when I'm turning and sometimes it locks when I put it in reverse and turn the steering wheel. I've replaced the magnetic coupler on the steering shaft and it helped a little but it's still scarey when I lose steering during a turn.

know they feeling all too well.disconnected mine and never habd any more trouble.couldnt even tell it was disconnected,may be a little stiffer in tight spots but no different than any other vehichle without it.

Yes you can disconnect it at the steering pump and still drive it. Might feel a bit strange at highway speeds maybe. ? I disconnected the one on my daughter's 97 until I could get a new sensor installed and she didn't complain.

Ok i know this is an old thread and im bringing it back up because info on these trucks seems to be very scarce.... Now if i just unplug the power steering pressure switch will it still have the Cadilllac steering that i hate so much or will it tighten up a bit.

Or can i just go back a year and install a 96 PS pump and gear box to eliminate this STUPID STUPID assist crap!!

Unplugging the sensor on the power steering pump will allow full power assist full time. No more twichyness in turns.
You may be able to swap the valve in the pump with one from a 96 if you prefer that feel better. It is the fitting that screws into the rear of the pump that the high pressure hose screws into.
My 97 drove just fine with just the sensor disconnected.
Takes 2 minutes to unplug it and give it a try yourself. It's free.

Unplugging the sensor on the power steering pump will allow full power assist full time. No more twichyness in turns.
You may be able to swap the valve in the pump with one from a 96 if you prefer that feel better. It is the fitting that screws into the rear of the pump that the high pressure hose screws into.
My 97 drove just fine with just the sensor disconnected.
Takes 2 minutes to unplug it and give it a try yourself. It's free.

Ok great thanks for the info, now if i was to install a 96 ps pump would that be the same as just unplugging this stupid pressure switch?

i was thinking if i can install a 96 pump lines and gearbox then i might have better steering without and interference or am i just wasting more money.

I did just put in a new reman gearbox but....... im willing to change it out again to fix it

Ok great thanks for the info, now if i was to install a 96 ps pump would that be the same as just unplugging this stupid pressure switch?

i was thinking if i can install a 96 pump lines and gearbox then i might have better steering without and interference or am i just wasting more money.

I did just put in a new reman gearbox but....... im willing to change it out again to fix it

If all the lines match up, I don't see why it wouldn't be better to go with a '96 pump and do completely away with the variable effort crap. My '98 Suburban had the sensor go bad, so I disconnected it. It got rid of the schizo twitchiness, but since it's now giving full boost, the steering effort is light and so is the steering feel. I much prefer the feel of the steering in my '91 and '94.

If all the lines match up, I don't see why it wouldn't be better to go with a '96 pump and do completely away with the variable effort crap. My '98 Suburban had the sensor go bad, so I disconnected it. It got rid of the schizo twitchiness, but since it's now giving full boost, the steering effort is light and so is the steering feel. I much prefer the feel of the steering in my '91 and '94.

from what i read i will have to change the gearbox aswell due to some valve inside not sure if its true or not so im trying to match up part #'s between the 2 just out of curiosity.

If i need to swap it all then its a done deal i will no prob!!

I miss the way my 90 drove, yes it was dropped 4/6 but it felt so sporty and cornered like it was on rails.....

Im actually looking to drop this 2/4 but want to fix the chitty steering first, its easier to get under while its still lifted

It would surely be a worthy swap to get the pre-'97 steering feel back. I've never really looked into it myself because I just don't have the money to fix what isn't really broke right now.

I now how you feel belive me ive sunk sooo much money into replacing parts and alignments and getting no better results im at my witts end.... Im willing to do anything now just to be able to enjoy driving the truck i love so much!

Cause right now im not liking her to much........ I never should have lifted it!

i think i've been battling similar issues. i've sunk soo much money into my front end to try to get the steering tighter and not wonder so much. the sensor on the column has been replaced and that helped some. but i sure would like a nice firm steering wheel that doesn't have a bunch of play going down the highway. so does unplugging the p/s pump make steering tighter, or it allows you to turn the wheel with far less effort?

The steering sensor is responsible for some of the front end wander but it also comes from worn idler arms and pitman arms, etc. If you do replace the idler arm go with a hd unit from Moog. Also if it's not had an alignment after the lift now is the time. A toe out condition will make her wander as will tire inflation, tire wear, etc.
I suggest you unplug the sensor at the steering pump and drive it to eliminate it as a possible cause.